THE UNITED CENTER, THE CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS AND THE CHICAGO BULLS ANNOUNCE NEW PARTNERSHIP WITH PANASONIC

Today, the United Center, the Chicago Blackhawks and the Chicago Bulls announced a new partnership agreement with Panasonic, a global leader in engineering and technology solutions, to enhance digital and technology capabilities inside the arena. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Visitors to the United Center this season can expect to see 64, 42-inch flat panel displays hanging throughout the 100 level concourse, as well as new LED boards inside each of the four main gate entrances. Additionally, there will be two new 35- by-9-foot curved video walls, each with a total resolution that far exceeds the Full HD standard, which will be located outside Section 111-112 and Section 101-122. All video boards will be used to display arena, team and partner messaging. Panasonic will also install LED boards inside the new public atrium that will connect the arena to the new employee office building once construction is complete.

“Enhancing our fan experience is always a priority for the Chicago Blackhawks, and the introduction of the Panasonic technology at the United Center this fall is the latest example," said John McDonough, President & CEO, Chicago Blackhawks. “Through constant dialogue, we listen to our fans and recognize this as something that will make the time they spend with us during games and other events more enjoyable."

“Panasonic is an industry leader in the digital space and we are excited to begin our partnership this season,” said Michael Reinsdorf, President and COO, Chicago Bulls. “Bringing Panasonic technology into the United Center is another step in our continued efforts to provide our fans with the best possible game experience.”

“Panasonic is delighted to be partnering with the United Center, the Chicago Blackhawks and the Chicago Bulls to further enhance the excitement fans experience at this renowned sports arena,” said Douglas Moss, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Panasonic Enterprise Solutions Company. “Our goal is to do what we do best, which is partner with clients and use our technology and engineering know-how to produce innovative video solutions that create a truly immersive fan experience. The technology powering Panasonic’s new video displays will bring fans even closer to the action.”

“As part of our ongoing renovation program, we were in search of signature elements that would allow us to deliver premium and exclusive experiences to our guests,” said Terry Savarise, Senior Vice President of Operations, United Center. “The partnership with Panasonic is the perfect match for our goals to implement innovative technologies that amplify the sights and sounds for guests at the United Center at more than 200 events each year."

As part of the agreement, Panasonic will also receive an array of marketing assets, including in-game branding and rotating signage on the new main gate LEDs.

This new partnership is part of an ongoing renovation plan for the United Center, further establishing the arena as a destination hub on the Near West Side. Expanding the arena’s digital and technology capabilities is a planned step in the United Center’s continued efforts to improve the facility with a focus on enhancing the overall fan experience and creating additional revenue opportunities.